During a recent government meeting, Rille Sanchez, the band director at Teravista Middle School, was honored for his exceptional contributions to education. Sanchez received the prestigious Lubbock Christian University (LCU) Award for Excellence in Teaching, marking a significant achievement for both him and the Friendship Independent School District (ISD).

Sanchez was selected as the district's nominee for the LCU distinguished educator award, which recognizes outstanding educators across various schools. He was one of 15 educators nominated from the district and was ultimately chosen to represent Friendship ISD. In April, during an awards ceremony at LCU, he was celebrated alongside six other distinguished educators from the region and was announced as one of the overall winners of the award.

This recognition is particularly noteworthy as it is the second consecutive year that a Friendship ISD educator has received this honor. The LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented annually to educators who demonstrate remarkable dedication and impact in their teaching roles, along with a monetary award of $1,000.

Dr. Ryan Smith, Friendship ISD's director of fine arts, praised Sanchez for his inspiring teaching methods and his ability to connect with students. Over the past five years, Sanchez has made significant strides with the Teravista band, showcasing his creativity and commitment to student success. His unique approach to teaching, including his proficiency in playing every band instrument, has set him apart as an educator who truly reaches each student individually.